Display panel electrode termination

ABSTRACT

Display panels including an insulating base plate and a cover plate which extend beyond the display region of the device with electrode terminals disposed on at least one of them to facilitate connection of the device. The devices include a plurality of groups of cathode segments disposed on a base plate with corresponding segments connected in common to cathode terminal pads along an edge of the base plate. The anode electrodes provided for the cathode groups have leads that terminate along an edge of the cover plate which is parallel to the cathode terminals. A connector or a suitably aligned row of protruding contacts establishes electrical connection to the electrodes of the device when mated with the electrode terminals on the cover plate and on the base plate. The contacts are deformed when mated with the device to provide pressure or friction contact with the electrode terminals and the connector may be shaped to receive one or more tabs extending out of the device for securing them together and for providing another electrical connection to the device, if desired.

Hennessey et al.

[451 Feb. 25, 1975 1 DISPLAY PANEL ELECTRODE TERMINATION [75] Inventors:William Michael l'lennessey,

Somerville; Ronald Owen Wescott, Edison, both of NJ.

[73] Assignee: Burroughs Corporation, Detroit,

Mich.

[22] Filed: June 18, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 370,786

Related US. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 201,655, Nov.24, 1971,

abandoned.

l [52] U.S. Cl 340/336, 313/49, 313/318, 317/101 CC, 340/324 M [51] Int.Cl. G091 9/32 [58] Field of Search 340/324 R, 324 M, 336,

340/343, 313/49, 51, 318, 109.5; 317/101 D, Y 101 CE; 40/130 D, 132 D,28C

[56] References Cited Primary Examiner-John W. Caldwell .AssistantExaminer-Marshall M. Curtis Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Kenneth L. Miller;Robert A. Green; George L. Kensinger 57 I ABSTRACT Display panelsincluding an insulating base plate and a cover plate which extend beyondthe display region of the device with electrode terminals disposed on atleast one of them to facilitate connection of the device. The devicesinclude a plurality of groups of cathode segments disposed on a baseplate with corresponding segments connected in common to cathodeterminal pads alongan edge of the base plate. The anode electrodesprovided for the cathode groups have leads that terminate along an edgeof the cover plate which is parallel to the cathode terminalsj Aconnector or a suitably aligned row of protruding contacts establisheselectrical connection to the electrodes of the device when mated withthe electrode terminals on the cover plate and on the base plate. Thecontacts are deformed when mated with the device to provide pressure orfriction contact with the electrode terminals and the connector may beshaped to receive one or more tabs extending out of the device forsecuring them together and for providing another electrical connectionto the device, if desired.

56 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTED FEB251975 sum 1 o g fim Rm 1 5 m3; k mi km Q Q Q Q Q In Q8 m uR mo. 3 18 m3 m8 mom mm 8 H m 6 5o QomHQQQ aom om 53 gm mam m l RONALD O.

A TO NEY PATENIEBFEM 3,868,676

I SHEET u org FIG) INVEN'IORS WILL/AM M- HEN/VESSEY RONALD O. WESCOTT WWW A T TOE'NEY DISPLAY PANEL ELECTRODE TERMINATION CROSS-REFERENCE TORELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation of applicationSer. No. 201,655 filed Nov. 24, 1971, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various numerical indicator devices fordigital readouts and the like have been available for a long time. TheNIXIE numerical indicator tube has been widely utilized as the indicatorunit in many of those applications for many years. More recently,various segmented cathode display devices, including the PANAPLEXnumeric panel display, have been made available for use in suchdisplays.

The PANAPLEX numeric display device includes a plurality of groups ofsegmented cathodes arranged in several character display positions in aunitary panel structure, which can be driven in a multiplex mode fordisplaying any desired series of numbers or the like. Each group ofcathode segments is provided with an associated anode electrode and candisplay any of several different characters.

One form of PANAPLEX'display panel is formed like a sandwich andincludes a base plate on which a plurality of groups of the cathodes andtheir leads or connectors are formed, by a screening or printing processor the like. The cathodes are in the form of bars or segments and candisplay a variety of different characters or symbols. Such panels alsoinclude a face plate spaced from the base plate, and carryingtransparent conductive anodes, each associated with a group of thecathodes. The anodes are shaped and positioned to properly cooperatewith their associated groups of cathodes, yet with minimum cross-talkbetween different groups of cathodes in adjacent character positions.

The conductors connected to the various cathode segments usually runalong the length of the tube and are brought straight out to one or bothends of the base plate on which they lie. Similarly, the leads orconductors connected to the transparent anode electrodes on the underside of the face plate are usually brought out near an edge of the faceplate to terminals so that con-. nectioncan be made to them.

Various techniques such as soldering, the use of a conductive paste orepoxy, or the clamping of connector contacts onto the electrodeterminals at the ends of the device have been previously employed forexternal connection to the electrodes. There has been a need, however,for an improved termination and connection arrangement for displaypanels and similar devices that would be more simple, reliable, andinexpensive. A termination and connection scheme has also been neededthat would be easily securable for maintaining the connection orcontact, once established, so that neither clamping nor adhesion ofconnector contacts to the terminals would be required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of this invention is toimprove the electrode termination arrangement in information displayunits such as multiple-position character display devices of thesegmented electrode type.

Another object of the invention is to improve the electrode terminalarrangement and the connection scheme for the electrodes of bi'planarelectrical devices, particularly segmented character display panels.

A further object of the invention is to simplify and reduce the cost ofreliably connecting and mounting multiple-position character displaypanels, with suitably low electrical resistance and requiring only aminimal number of parts.

In accordance with these objects, there is provided a multiple-positioncharacter display panel including a plurality of groups of cathodeelectrode segments disposed on an insulating base plate upon which aplurality of connectors or conductive runs are provided forinterconnecting corresponding ones of the cathode segments among thegroups in the device. The ends of the cathode connectors or conductorsare arranged to terminate along one edge of the base plate. The cathodeelectrode segments are insulated from the cathode connectors orconductors except where each of them is joined or coupled to one of thecathode connectors. An anode electrode is associated with each group ofcathode segments to cooperate with them, when they are energized, todisplay a desired character or symbol. A cover plate is suitably spacedfrom the base plate and the assembly is sealed around the edges of them.Leads connected to the anode electrodes are brought out to an edge ofthe device, preferably the same edge as the terminals of the cathodeelectrodes, to allow for the insertion of connector contacts to matewith them between the plates.

The connector contacts a'reshaped resilient spring members which may besupported in a suitable housing or in a printed circuit (PC) board. Tabsmay extend out from the display panel to mate with the connector housingor the PC board as a guide for contact insertion, and for maintainanceof the connection by a pin, set screw or other means, if desired. Withthis arrangement the body of the display device may be canted at anydesired angle from the connector housing or from the PC board to whichit is connected.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages and features of theinvention are made clear in the following description, relating to theattached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a display panel;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the base assembly;

FIG. 3 is a section taken at line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a section of the device taken at line 4-4, and showingconnector contacts engaged with it;

FIG. 5 is a section view through the electrode terminals showingconnector contacts mated with them;

FIG. 6 is a partial, perspective view of a display panel having aconnector engaged with it;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a panel connected to and supported by aprinted circuit board;

FIG. 8 is a section of another arrangement for connecting and supportinga device from a PC board; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of a suitable connector for suchdevices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The display panels describedherein are thin, flat, sheet-like members which may have substantiallyany desired shaped and size, and may include substantially any number ofcharacter display positions. The panels may include any suitableionizable gas such as neon, argon, xenon, etc., singly or incombination, with a vapor of a metal such as mercury usually included inthe gas to minimize cathode sputtering. A wide range of gas pressuresmay be used, for example, from about 20 to about 250 Torr at ambienttemperature with about 70 to 120 Torr beinga commonly used pressurerange.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a display device embodying the inventionincludes an insulating base plate of glass, ceramic, or the like, withan inexpensive glass being suitable and preferred. A plurality ofconductive connectors or runs 30A to 306 are formed on the top surfaceof the insulating plate 20. The runs 30 are parallel to each other andare aligned with the horizontal axis of the base plate. Seven such runs30A to 306 are shown; however, more or fewer may be provided, the numberbeing determined by the total number and type of characters to bedisplayed. The runs 30 may be formed by an evaporation process, asilk-screen process, an electroless plating process or the like, or theymay be discrete strips of metal, heat-sealed, and plasma-sprayed, orotherwise secured to the insulating plate 20. A silk-screen printingprocess is particularly suitable because it is fast, efficient, andreproducible.

A second thin layer 40 of insulating material such as glass or ceramicis formed on the conductive runs 30, preferably by a silk-screenprocess, and the second layer 40 includes a plurality of groups of viasor apertures 50A to 506, each aperture exposing one of the runs 30A to300. Thus, each group of apertures includes aperture 50A which exposesrun 30A, aperture 503 which exposes run 308, aperture 50C which exposesrun 30C, etc. Four such groups of apertures are illustrated.

Panel 10 includes a group of cathode electrodes 60 (A to G) for eachgroup of apertures 50. The cathodes are generally elongated bars orsegments, and they are usually arrayed in a figure 8 pattern, as is wellknown in the art..The cathodes 60 may be formed on insulating layer 40by means of a silk-screen process using a conductive paste, such aspalladium-gold, platinumgold, palladium-silver, or the like. Eachcathode element is in contact with one of the runs 30 exposed by one oftheapertures or vias 50, and it substantially fills the aperture 50 andcovers a portion of layer 40 to achieve the desired shape and size.

The cathodes 60A, 608, etc. may also be formed of discrete strips ofmetal, preferably brazed to a conductive run 30 by means of a mass ofbrazing material deposited in each of the apertures 50 in the insulatinglayer 40. The brazing material itself may be deposited by a silk-screenprocess. One suitable brazing material is a gold-germanium substanceknown as FORMON and sold by E. l. DuPont de Nemours & Co.' The cathodesmay also be formed in any other suitable manner such as by electrolyticor electroless plating of nickel or the like or by are plasma sprayingthrough a suitable mask.

Thus, cathodes are preferably thin, flat members which do not'project toany significant extent above the top surface of insulating layer 40.

Panel 10 includes anode electrodes for the groups of cathode electrodes60. The anode electrodes comprise thin, transparent conductive films ofgold, NESA, or the like formed on the lower surface of the panel faceplate or viewing plate which is made of glass. The anode films are ofthe order of a few Angstroms thick and, in effect, are coplanar with thebottom surface 95 of the face plate. Thus, the anodes, for all practicalpurposes, do not project into the gas discharge space in the panel. Theanode films are generally rectangular in shape, or are otherwise shaped,depending on the orientation of the cathodes. Anodes 90 are dimensionedand positioned so that'they overlay'the total area defined by theassociated group of cathode electrodes. If desired, each anode 90 may besomewhat narrower and shorter than the area defined by its cathodes asshown, but in any case, the anode must overlay and be in operativerelation with a sufficient portion of each of its cathodes. Othersuitable anode shapes may be employed, depending upon the character andsymbol configuration of the cathodes to be operated.

Preferably, the spacing between each anode 90 and its group of cathodes60 should be of the order of 20 to 25 mils, and the spacing between eachanode and the adjacent group of cathodes should be of the order of 30 to40 mils. With this relationship at the usual pressure range, each anodeis in a favorable operating position with respect to its own cathodes,but is sufficiently remote from adjacent groups of cathodes so that thepanel may be operated over a suitably wide range of potentials withoutdeveloping cross-talk between adjacent groups of electrodes. Anotherfactor tending to prevent cross-talk is the location of the anodes insubstantially coplanar relation with the surface of the glass coverplate and not projecting into the gas space in which cathode glow takesplace.

The top glass cover plate 100 is of substantially the same length as theinsulating layer 40 and the bottom plate 20, and it is spaced from thebase plate 20 by an insulating frame which is disposed between them. Theillustrated frame 110 includes a flat metal piece 114 coated with glassor ceramic layers 112 and 116. Alternatively, rectangular frame 110maybe formed entirely of glass or ceramic or it may be an integral partof the top and/or bottom plates. This frame member thus provides thedesired spacing between the anodes 90 and the associated groups ofcathode electrodes 60. The three glass members 20, 100, and 110 aresealed together in any suitable manner, for example, by means of a sealformed of a glass frit or the like.

In addition to serving as a spacer between top and bottom insulatingplates 100 and 20, rectangular frame 110 also serves to define the glowdischarge regions for the various character display positions, asillustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1. Rectangular frame 110 includesan edge or border around its periphery together with several legsconnected to its longer sides that lie.

between adjacent character display positions and electrically separatethem from each other. The barriers thus provided between adjacentdisplay positions include metal ribs or rungs which are integral withlayer 114 of the frame in the preferred embodiment. Rectangular frame 110 also includes protruding ears or tabs 115, preferably at the loweredge of the panel where the runs 30 terminate, which may be used asconnector guides and as a means of securing a connector to the device,as will be discussed. The ribs, or rungs, of frame 110 are notillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 for convenience and clarity.

The conductive runs 30 which interconnect the cathode segments 60 do notextend out to the ends of the device as has been conventional. Theconductive runs 30A-30G are routed instead from the end characterdisplay positions in the device around to connector terminals or padsSSA-35G, respectively, on an edge of base plate 20, preferably the loweredge 20L. Conductive runs 30 are covered by insulating layer 40 exceptwhere they connect to cathodes 60 and to terminal pads 35, which preventthose conductors from glowing when the device is operated. The terminalsor pads 35 are preferably left exposed so that electrical contact may bemade to them easily by a connection arrangement embodying the inventionand described below. The terminals 140 of anodes 90 on the underside ofthe top insulating plate 100 extend out to the same edge of the deviceas do cathode terminal pads 35, and are offset therefrom as illustratedclearly in FIG. 5. Pads 145 line up vertically with anode terminals 140as alignment guides during fabrication of the device or when mating theconnector with the anode terminals, as described below. Additional pads135 may be provided to align with tabs 155 extending from spacer frame110, if desired, to aid alignment in assembling the panel or to provideelectrical connection to conductive layer 114 of the frame.

The drawing of FIG. 4 illustrates a section of the device of FIG. 1taken at line 4-4 cutting through electrodes 60A, 60D, 60G at the fourthdisplay position from the left Anodes 90 are shown having leads 140brought out to the front of the device as illustrated in FIG. 1. Sealingframe 110 is preferably narrower than thetop and bottom plates so thatwhen they are sealed together, an open space is provided along the loweredge of the panel between the top and bottom plates for the insertion ofconnector contacts. This configura- 'tion is particularly suitable whenanode electrodes 90 are formed on the underside of top glass 100 as thinlayers of material to provide the desired transparency. Such thin layersare fragile and it is difficult to secure leads to them by welding,soldering, or the like. According to the invention, resilient, shapedcontacts 290 formed of beryllium-copper or the like inserted betweenterminal pads 1.4.0 and bottom plate 20 are used for establishing thedesired contact to anodes 90.

The connectors 290 include an elongated tail portion 290x to beconnected to external circuit elements. Contact portion 290A ofconnectors 290 comprise one or more resilient metal strips which extendfrom the tail portion and seat againstterminals 140 of anode electrodes90,. and a spring-like generally c-shaped arm spaced therefrom whichseats against the upper surface of face plate 20.

Resilient metal contacts 230 of similar shape provide friction orpressure contact with terminal pads 35 of cathode connector runs 30provided for the cathode electrodes 60. The cathodes 60 (A-G) areconnected to terminal pads 35 by conductive runs 30A-30G as illustratedin FIG. 1. Connectors 230 include an elongated tail portion 230x to beconnected to external drive and control apparatus. Contact portion 230Aof connectors 290 also comprise one or more resilient metal stripsextending from the tail portion, which make contact with cathodeterminal pads 35 and a spring-like arm spaced therefrom which seatsagainst the lower surface of face plate 100.

A modification of the connector arrangement of the invention is shown inthe perspective view of FIG. 6. A portion of a display panel and of aconnector 200 engaged with it along the lower edge thereof isillustrated. Panel 10 includes base plate having cathode terminal pads35 along an edge of its top surface. Pads 145 on plate 20 are forindicating alignment of the anode terminals on the underside of the topplate dur- 6 ing assembly and the mating of contacts with them.Connector 200 includes a housing 210, a plurality of terminal pins ortails 220 extending from one edge, and a plurality of shaped, resilientelectrical contacts 225 similar to contacts 230 and 290 protruding fromthe opposite edge. Contacts 225 each include bent or formed stripportions of spring-like metal which join together in a plane at theirends. The strips are placed apart so that they frictionally engage theelectrode terminals of the device when inserted between them and topplate or bottom plate 20. The pins 220 extending from the back ofconnector 200 may be wirewrapped, soldered or crimped to externalconductors, so they may be inserted into a PC board and soldered to itsconductors or connected in any other suitable manner to external drivingand control circuits.

Housing 210 of connector 200 facilitates the handling of the contactsand the mating of them with the panel. It may be molded with them as onepiece or it may have receptacles for receiving them. Housing 210 may beapproximately as thick as display panel 10 as shown by solid lines inFIG. 6, or it may also include the raised portion 212 shown in dottedlines for mounting the panel which it connects. Housing extension 212may include a lug 205 having an aperture 207 suitable for receiving abolt or the like. Also, housing portion 210 may include a slottedaperture 215 for receiving ears or tabs extending from the spacer frame110.

between the top and bottom plates 100 and 20 of the display panel 10. Abolt or set screw 217 may be provided for engaging the tab 115 and thussecuring the connector and display panel together once they are mated.Fastener 217 may be utilized also for making electrical connection tothe spacer frame of the panel for applying a bias potential or forsensing operation of the device, for example.

One advantage of the connector arrangement of the invention is that itpermits display panel 10 to be mounted at different, selectable viewingangles. This feature of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 7 whereinthe tail portions of the contacts are shown bent at the desired angle.The display panel 10 is connected to and supported from a PC, board 300,and iscanted or tilted from the PC board. The tail ends 220 of contacts225 are inserted into apertures in PC board 300 and connected toconductive runs 320 by soldering, for example. No connector housing isrequired for the connector contacts 225, which simply are inserted intoPC board 300 at one endand inserted into the slot between plates 20 and100 of the panel at the other end. The display panel may be tilted atany desired angle from PC board 300, or it may be horizontal orperpendicular to the board, if desired.

The tilting of display panel 10 may facilitated by means of a simplifiedconnector housing 260 shown in FIG. 8 which supports the tail ends 220of connector contacts 225 and takes lateral (bending) stress off thecontacts and the panel itself. Housing 260 also facilitates theinsertion of the contacts into the slot in the panel and the insertionof the tails 220 into apertures 270 in the housing. The contact tails220 are soldered to conductors 320 on PC board 300 as shown at 325.Different connector contacts 225 establish connection to cathodeelectrode terminals 35 and to anode terminals 140. The contactsfrictionally engage the terminal pads within the slot between the topand bottom plates 100 and 20, the width of which is determined by thethickness of spacer frame 110. The contacts 225 each include spaced,resilient strip portions 226 and 227 which join at one end, the otherend 228 of strip 227 being extended outwardly away from strip 226.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of simplified connector housing260 for supporting the tail ends of contacts 225 within apertures270.Tail ends 220' of contacts 225 include lances 245 which protrude fromthem for engaging the walls of apertures 270 in-housing 260, thusretaining them in the housing. Contacts 225 are pierced or formed withcenter portions 227 separated from integral peripheral portions 226 ofthe contacts. These portions of the contacts 225 are formed or bent awayfrom each other to provide the desired frictional engagement with theelectrode terminals of the display panel into which they are inserted.Each contact 225 includes an elongated tail portion 220' attached to anenlarged generally flat or slightly curved portion 226 to which isresiliently secured a curved portion 227 at one end 229. Curved portion227 is bent away from flat portion 226, with its other end 228 curvedback toward or against the flat portion. Curved portion 227 thus canflex with respect to the flat portion 226.

In use, connector contacts 225 are positioned between plates 20 and 100with portion 226 and 227 of them in contact with cathode and anodeelectrode terminals 35 and 140, respectively. The tail end portions 220extendaway from the panel and can be used to make contact with externalcircuitry. Due to the resiliency of curved portion 227, the connector isheld securely in place between the plates and the respective electrodeterminals.

The subject'electrode termination and connection arrangement isapplicable to a large variety of multiplelayer electrical devicesincluding multi-layer printed circuit boards as well as many differentkinds of display devices. Such devices include two or more spacedapartinsulating plates or the like, and terminals for the conductors orelectrodes thereof which can be disposed on inside surfaces of theplates for receiving and mating with connector contacts between them.The conductors themselves may be on inside or outside surfaces of theplates or boards, as required, so long as the terminals for theconductors or electrodes thereof are on the inside surface along or nearadjacent edges for connection between them.

Display devices for which the subject electrode termination andconnection arrangement is suitable include those which utilize liquidcrystal material, various suspensions or emulsions, or semiconductor orluminescent material between energizing electrodes, as well asgas-filled display panels and the like. In such devices thedisplay-supporting substance or medium is generally disposed betweeninsulating members or plates and the terminals for the electrodesthereof may be disposed on the inside surfaces of the plates along ornear adjacent edges thereof for connection between them.

What is claimed is: l. A display device comprising an envelope includinga pair of flat, insulating plates which are parallel to each other andspaced apart to define a gas-filled electric discharge region betweenthem, a plurality of cathode electrodes seated on one of the plates anda plurality of different electrical conductors connected to them andterminating along an edge of this'first plate,

at least one anode electrode seated on the other of said plates inassociation with selected ones of the cathode electrodes and having alead terminating along an edge of this other plate, which edge isparallel to an adjacent edge of the first plate,

the terminals of the cathode connectors and of the anode lead(s) beingon opposing surfaces of therespective plates for receivably mating withexternal connecting means between the plates, and

means for sealing the gas discharge region between the plates along apredetermined perimeter and leaving the cathode and anode terminalsexposed for receiving the connecting means.

2. The display device of claim 1 wherein the edges of the plates onwhich the terminals of the cathode connectors and the terminals of theanode lead(s) are disposed are parallel to each other, and theconnecting means comprise connector contacts for engaging the anode andcathode terminals between the plates.

3. The display device of claim 2 wherein the cathode connector terminalsand the anode lead terminals on the respective plates are offset fromeach other for mating with horizontally spaced resilient contacts forthe anodes and for the cathodes to be inserted between such terminals.

4. The display device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of cathodeelectrodes comprises a plurality of groups of cathodes arranged along apredetermined line, and wherein there is one electrode associated witheach such group, and the terminals for the cathode connectors and forthe anode leads are disposed along edges of the respective plates whichare parallel to said predetermined line and are adjacent each other.

5. The display device of claim 4 wherein corresponding cathodes of thegroups are interconnected, and the edges of the plates along which theterminals of the cathode connectors and the. terminals of the anodeleads are disposed are adjacent to each other for receiving shaped,resilient contact members, both for making connection with the anode andcathode terminals and for supporting the device.

- 6, An electrical display device comprising an envelope defined by apair of flat, insulating plates which are parallel and spaced from eachother,

a plurality of first electrodes seated on one of the plates and having aplurality of associated connectors terminating along an edge of thefirst plate,

at least one second electrode seated on the other of the plates andhaving a lead terminating along an edge of this other plate, which edgeis parallel to an adjacent edge of the first plate,

the terminals of the connectors and the lead(s) of the first and secondelectrodes being an opposing surfaces of the respective plates forreceivably mating with external connecting means between the plates, and

means for sealing a display-supporting medium in the envelope betweenthe plates along a predetermined perimeter and leaving the terminals ofthe electrodes exposed for mating with the connecting means.

7. The electrical display device of claim 6 wherein the edges of theplates on which the terminals of the electrodes are disposed areparallel to each other, and the connecting means comprise connectorcontacts for engaging the first and second electrodes at the respectiveterminals thereof between the plates.

8. The electrical display device of claim 7 wherein the connectorterminals for the first electrodes and the second electrodes on therespective plates are horizontally offset from each other for matingwith horizontally spaced resilient contacts for the first and secondelectrodes to be inserted between them and the opposing plate.

9. The electrical display device of claim 6 comprising a plurality ofgroups of first electrodes disposed in a row and a plurality of secondelectrodes associated with them, and the terminals for the electrodesare disposed along edges of the respective plates which are parallel tothe rows of said electrodes.

10. The electrical display device of claim 9 wherein corresponding onesof the first electrodes are interconnected and the edges of the platesalong which the terminals for the electrodes are disposed are adjacenteach other for receiving the connecting means which comprise shaped,resilient contact members both for making connection with the electrodeterminals and for supporting the device.

11. A panel-type display device comprising a cover plate and a baseplate defining a display space between them, but extending beyond saiddisplay space,

electrically responsive light-emitting means in said display space,

a plurality of electrodes associated with said lightemitting means foroperation thereof and including a set of first electrodes adjacent saidbase plate and a set of second electrodes,

a plurality of connector contacts disposed on the facing surfaces ofsaid plates, adjacent a peripheral edge of each of them, outside of thearea of said display space, and a plurality of conductors eachelectrically connecting one of said connector contacts to one of saidelectrodes.

12. The display device of claim 11 further comprising a conductorhousing supporting each of said conductors in spaced apart relationshipand aligned for insertion between the plates.

13. The display device of claim 12 wherein said common edges of theplates are adjacent each other and further comprising a rigid framesituated between the plates and having at least one tab extending outfrom between the plates for engagement with the conductor housing.

14. A panel-type display device comprising a base plate and a coverplate defining a display space between them, but extending beyond saiddisplay space,

a glow-supporting medium disposed in said display space, v

a plurality of electrodes associated with said glowsupporting medium forexcitation thereof and including a set of first electrodes adjacent saidbase plate and a set of second electrodes, said first and secondelectrodes having terminals situated along a common edge'of theassociated plates but offset from each other, i

the terminals of said first and second electrodes being disposed onopposing surfaces of the respective plates for receivably mating withexternal connecting means between them, and

.10 means sealing the glow-supporting medium in the display spacebetween the plates along a suitable perimeter thereof which leaves theterminals of the electrodes outside the display space and accessible tothe connecting means.

15. A panel-type display device as in claim 14 wherein said common edgesof the plates are parallel and adjacent each other and the terminals forthe first and second electrodes are horizontally offset from each otherfor receivably mating with connecting means between the plates.

16. The device defined in claim 14 wherein said connectors includeflexible portions which extend out of said insulating body, saidflexible portions being insertible in a support plate at a selectedangle whereby said device is disposed at a selected angle with respectto said support plate.

17. A display device comprising an envelope containing a display medium,

two plates of insulating material integral with and extending from saidenvelope, said plates being spaced from one another and having thefacing surfaces thereof substantially parallel,

a plurality of electrodes within said envelope, and

means for selectively energizing different combinations of saidelectrodes to produce different display patterns within said envelope,

said energizing means including a plurality of electrical contactsdisposed on the facing surface of at least one of said plates, outsideof said envelope, and a plurality of conductors each connected from oneof said contacts into said envelope to a different one of theelectrodes,

said plates having a recess between their facing surfaces in the regionof said contacts to receive an electrical connector device to makeelectrical connection with said contacts. 18. A combination includingthe display device of claim 17 and an electrical connector device havinga plurality of outwardly projecting resilient contact fingers forinsertion into the recess between the facing surfaces of the plates toestablish electrical contact between said fingers and the electricalcontacts on said facing surfaces.

19. The combination of claim 18 wherein said electrical connector deviceincludes a plurality of mounting members which project therefrom tomount said display device in a substantially vertical plane. 20. Thecombination of claim 19 wherein said mounting members each include aninclined section to mount said display device at an angle inclined froma vertical plane.

21. A display device as in claim 17 wherein the energizing meansincludes a plurality of the electrical contacts on the facing surfacesof each of said plates, and

wherein said conductors are also located on said plates, one extendingfrom each contact, through the envelope wall, to one of said electrodes.

22. A display device as in claim 21 wherein the contacts arelocatedalong the outer edges of the plates to provide readily accessibleterminals.

23. An electrical display device as in claim 22 wherein the electricalcontacts on each of said plates are offset laterally from the contactson the other plate.

1 1 24. A display device as in claim 17 wherein said plates are closelyspaced in the region of the contacts to retain an electrical connectordevice in place.

25. A display deviceas in claim 17 wherein said display mediumconstitutes an ionizable gaseous atmosphere at .a pressure capable ofsustaining a glow discharge,

wherein said electrodes are selectively energizable-to establish a glowdischarge between selective combinations of said electrodes, to providedifferent glow discharge patterns within said envelope, and

wherein-said energizing means includes a plurality of electricalcontacts on the facing surfaces of each of said plates.

26. A display device as in claim 25 wherein said electrodes comprise aplurality of cathode and anode electrodes,

wherein each of the contacts on the facing surface of one of saidplatesis connected by one of said conductors to one of said cathodeelectrodes, and wherein each of the contacts on the facing surface ofthe other one of said plates is connected by one of said conductors toone of said anode electrodes. 27. A display device comprising two platesof insulating material extending substantially parallel to one anotherwith the facing surfaces thereof spaced from one another,

a display medium located between'the facing surfaces of said plates overa portion of their area,

a plurality of electrodes in operating relationship to said displaymedium, and

means for selectively energizing different combinations of saidelectrodes to provide different display patterns in said medium; saidenergizing means comprising a plurality of electrical contacts disposedon the facing surface of at least one of said plates, outside of thearea containing the display medium, and a plurality of conductors eachconnected from one of said contacts to a different one ofsaidelectrodes,

said .platesforming a recess between them in the area of said contactsto receive an electrical connector device to make electrical connectionwith said contacts. 28. A display device as in claim 27 wherein theenergizing means includes at least one of the electrical contacts on thefacing surface of one of said plates and the remainder of the electricalcontacts on the facing surface of other of said plates, with a conductorextending from each of said contacts to a different one of saidelectrodes.

29. A display device as in claim 28 wherein said electrical contacts arelocated adjacent one of the peripheral edges of said plates.

30. A display device as in claim 27 wherein at least certain of saidelectrodes are disposed on a first one of said plates, and at least alike number of said conductors and electrical contacts are located onthe same plate, and

wherein each such electrode is connected by one of said conductors onthe same plate to one of said electrical contacts on the same plate.

31. A display device as in claim 30 wherein said certain electrodesconstitute cathode electrodes and the remaining electrodes constituteanode electrodes, and

wherein each such remaining electrode is connected by one of saidconductors to an electrical contact located-on the facing surface of thesecond one of said plates.

32. A display device comprising a display medium,

a peripheral member surrounding said display medium,

a pair of spaced parallel plates, oneabove and one below the displaymedium, l

- said plates being joined to said peripheral member to form anenclosure about said display medium, with one edge of each of saidplates extending beyond said peripheral member to provide an innersurface for supporting electrical contacts,

a plurality of electrodes within said enclosure, and

means for selectively energizing different combinations of saidelectrodes to provide different display patterns within said medium,

said energizing means comprising a plurality of electrical contactsdisposed on the inner surface of at least one of said parallel plates,outside of said enclosure, and a plurality of conductors each connectedfrom one of said electrical contacts through said peripheral member to adifferent one of said electrodes,

said plates forming a recess between them in the area of said electricalcontacts to receive an electrical connector device to make electricalconnection with said contacts. 33. A display device as in claim 32wherein said electrical contacts are all substantially aligned adjacentone edge of at least one of said plates.

34. A display device as in claim 32 wherein said enclosure isrectangular in shape, having a short side at each end of the displaymedium and two long sides along the legnth of the display medium, and

wherein said plates extend beyond the peripheral member only along oneof the long sides of the rectangle, and a wherein said electricalcontacts are all aligned adjacent said one long side of the rectangle.

35. A display device as in claim 34 wherein at least certain of saidelectrodes are disposed on a first one of said plates, and at least alike number of said conduc? tors and electrical contacts ,are located onthe same plate, and

wherein each such electrode is connected by one of said conductors onthe same plate to one of said electrical contacts on the same plate.

36. A display device as in claim 35 wherein said certain electrodesconstitute cathode electrodes and the remaining electrodes constituteanode electrodes, and

wherein each such remaining electrode is connected by one of saidconductors to an electrical contact located on the facing surface of thesecond one of said plates.

37. A gas discharge display device comprising i an envelope containingan ionizable gas at a pressure capable of sustaining a glow discharge,

two insulating plates extending from said envelope,

said plates being spaced from one another and having facing surfaceswhich are substantially parallel,

a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart from one another along asurface within said envelope,

a plurality of second electrodes spaced apart from one another and fromsaid first electrodes within said envelope,

means for selectively energizing different combinations of said firstand second electrodes to produce different glow discharge patternswithin the ionizable gas between said first and second electrodes,

said energizing means including a plurality of electrical contactsdisposed on the facing surface of at least one of said parallel plates,outside of said envelope, and a plurality of conductors each con.-nected from one of said contacts, through said envelope, to a differentone of the electrodes,

said plates having a recess between their facing surfaces in the regionof said contacts to receive an electrical connector device to makeelectrical connection with said contacts.

38. A combination including the display device of claim 37 and anelectrical connector device having a plurality of outwardly projectingresilient contact fingers for insertion into the recess between thefacing surfaces of the plates to establish electrical contact betweensaid fingers and the electrical contacts on said facing surfaces.

39.A display device as in claim 37 wherein said first and secondelectrodes are cathode and anode electrodes, respectively, and

wherein said cathode electrodes are located along a facing surface ofone of said plates, and at least a like number of said conductors andelectrical contacts are located on the same surface, and

wherein each such cathode'electrode is connected by one of saidconductors on the same surface to one of said electrical contacts onthat surface.

40. A display device as in claim 37 wherein the energizing meansincludes a plurality of the electrical contacts on the facing surfacesof each of said plates,

and

wherein said conductors are also located on said plates, with oneextending from each contact through the envelope wall, to one of saidelectrodes.

41. A gas discharge display panel having a plurality of sideby-sidecharacter positions along a predetermined line, in each of which any oneof a predetermined number of characters can be displaed, comprisanenvelope formed of front and rear plates sealed together along a closedperimeter surrounding the line of character positions to establish a gastight enclosure about said character positions;

both of said plates extending beyond the closed perimeter in at leastone direction, and having their facing surfaces spaced apart outside ofsaid envelope to provide a recess for receiving a connector device forsupplying electrical energy to said envelope, an ionizable gas withinsaid envelope at a pressure capable of sustaining a glow discharge,

a plurality of groups of cathode electrodes arranged side-by-side alonga surface within said envelope to form the side-by-side characterpositions, each cathode electrode being in the shape of a segment of acharacter to be displayed,

a plurality of anode electrodes spaced from each other and from saidcathode electrodes, each such anode electrode being located adjacent andoperatively associated with one of said cathode electrode groups,

means for selectively energizing said anode and cathode electrodes toform a side-by-side character display over said character positions,said energizing means including a plurality of electrical contactsdisposed on the facing surface of at least one of said plates, outsideof said envelope, and a plurality of conductors each connected from oneof said contacts through said envelope to a different one of saidelectrodes.

42. A display panel as in claim 41 wherein the energizing means includesa plurality of the electrical contacts on the facing surfaces of each ofsaid plates, and

wherein said conductors are also located on said plates, one extendingfrom each contact through the envelope wall to one of said electrodes.

43. A display panel as in claim 41 wherein said plates extend beyond theclosed perimeter in a direction perpendicular to the line of characterpositions to provide said facing surfaces outside the envelope along aregion parallel to the line of characters, and

wherein said electrical contacts are aligned along at least one of saidfacing surfaces substantially parallel to the line of characters.

44. A display panel as in claim 43 wherein the energizing means includesa plurality of the electrical contacts on the facing surfaces of each ofsaid plates, and

wherein said conductors are also located on said plates, one extendingfrom each contact through the envelope wall to one of said electrodes.

45. A display panel as in claim 41, further including a plurality ofelongated conductive runs extending along the inside surface of the rearplate within the envelope in the direction of the line of characterpositions,

a layer of insulating material over said conductive runs with a group ofapertures therethrough for eachcharacter position, the respectiveapertures in each such group being aligned with the respectiveconductive runs,

wherein each cathode electrode has a portion thereof aligned with one ofsaid apertures, and is connected through said aperture to the alignedconductive run, and

wherein each of said conductive runs in connected by one of saidconductors to one of the electrical contacts.

46. A gas discharge display panel having a plurality of side-by-sidecharacter positions along a predetermined line, in each of which any oneof a number of characters can be displayed, comprising a an envelopeformed of front and rear plates sealed together along a closed perimetersurrounding the line of character positions to establish a gas tightenclosure about said character positions;

at least said rear plate extending beyond the closed perimeter in adirection perpendicular to the direction of said predetermined line,

an ionizable gas within said envelope at a pressure capable ofsustaining glow discharge, a plurality of groups of cathode electrodesarranged side-by-side along said predetermined line, said cathodeelectrode groups being supported along the surface of the rear platewhich faces the front plate to form the side-by-side characterpositions,

each cathode electrode being in the shape of a segment of a character tobe displayed,

means for selectively energizing different combinations of said cathodeelectrodes in each of said cathode electrode groups to provide amulticharacter display, the width of each such charac-' ter, asdisplayed, being in the direction of said predetermined line, and theheight thereof being perpendicular to such line,

' said energizing means comprising a plurality of anode electrodes, onelocated adjacent and operatively associated with each of said cathodeelectrode groups, and a plurality of conductive runsextending ininsulatingly spaced relation to one another along the surface of therear plate, each such conductive run being electrically connected to oneof the cathode electrodes in each of said cathode I electrode groups,and p a plurality of electrical contacts spaced along the edge of theportion of the rear plate which extends outside of said closed perimeterperpendicular to the direction of said predetermined line, said contactsbeing disposed along a line which is generally parallel to saidpredetermined line, said conductive runs extending along the surface ofthe rear plate in the direction of said predetermined line throughoutthe full length of said character positions, and then continuing alongsaid surface beyond said character positions to the closed perimeter ofthe envelope, and beyond said closed perimeter in spaced relation to oneanother on the surface of said rear plate, and onto the surface of theportion of said rear plate which extends beyond the closed perimeter inthe direction perpendicular to said predetermined line, said conductiveruns then continuing along said surface portion to the respectiveelectrical contacts. 47. A display panel as in claim 46, wherein saidclosed perimeter has portions above and below and on the sides of. saidcharacter positions, and

wherein the electrical contacts are positioned along a line below saidcharacter positions, and said conductive runs passthru the portion ofthe perimeter below the character positions and extend to saidelectrical contacts. 48. A display panel as in claim 47, wherein saidconductive runs extend from the character positions at least at one sidethereof, and then bend abruptly to pass through the portion of theclosed perimeter below the character positions. v

49. A gas discharge display panel having a plurality of side-by-sidecharacter positions along a predetermined line, in each of which any oneof a number of characters can be displayed, comprising an envelopeformed of front and rear plates sealed together along a closed perimetersurrounding the line of character positions to establish a gas tightenclosure about said character positions; at least said rear plateextending beyond the closed perimeter in a direction perpendicular tothe line of side-by-side character positions, anionizable gas withinsaid envelope at a pressure capable of sustaining glow discharge, anassembly supported on the surface of the rear plate which faces thefront plate including a plurality of conductive runs extending alongsaid surface inthe direction of the line of side-by-side characterpositions, a plurality of groups of cathode electrodespositionedside-by-side along said direction, eachsuch group forming oneof said characterpositions and each cathodeelectrode being in contactwith at least one of said conductive runs, and an insulating layercovering said conductive runs and said surface in the area of thecharacter positions, said insulating layer having a plurality ofapertures therethrough, each aligned with one of said cathodeelectrodes, the cathode electrodes in each of said cathode electrodegroups being disposed in substantially the same pattern, such patternhaving a predetermined height to display characters of that height, andeach cathode electrode being shaped in the form of a segment of acharacter to be displayed, each such .conductive run being electricallyconnected to a correspondingly positioned cathode electrode in each ofsaid cathode electrode groups, so that selective combinations of saidcathode electrodes in each such group can be energized by apredetermined energization of said conductive runs to provide amulti-character display, plurality of electrical contacts spaced alongthe edge of the portion of the rear plate which extends outside of saidclosed perimeter perpendicular to the line of the side-by-side characterpositions, said contacts being disposed along a line which is generallyparallel to the line of character positions,

at least the majority of said conductive runs extend ing along saidsurface within the heightof said cathode electrode groups and thencontinuing along said surface beyond said character positions to theclosed perimeter of the envelope, and beyond said closed perimeter inspaced relation to one another on the surface of said rear plate, andonto the surface of the portion of said rear plate which extends beyondthe closed perimeter in the direction perpendicular the line ofcharacter posi- .tions, t said conductive runs then continuing alongsaid .surface portion to the respective electricalcontacts. 50. A gasdischarge display panel having a plurality of side-by-side characterpositions along a predetermined line, in each of which any one of anumber of characters can be displayed, comprising an envelope formed atfront and rear plates sealed together along a closed perimetersurrounding the line of character positions to establish a gas tightenclosure about said character positions; at least one of said front andrear plates extending beyond the closed perimeter in a directionperpendicular to the line of side-by-side character positions, anionizable gas within said envelope at a pressure capable of sustainingglow discharge, an assembly supported on the surface of the rear platewhich faces the front plate including a plurality of conductive runsextending along said surface in the direction of the line of sideby-sidecharacter positions, a plurality of groups of cathode electrodespositioned side-by-side along said direction, each such group formingone of said character positions and each cathode electrode being incontact with at least one of said conductive runs, and an insulatinglayer covering said conductive runs and said surface in the area of thecharacter positions.

said insulating layer having a plurality of apertures therethrough, eachaligned with one of said cathode electrodes,

the cathode electrodes in each of said cathode electrode groups beingdisposed in substantially the same pattern, such pattern having apredetermined height to display characters of that height, and

each cathode electrode being shaped in the form of v i a segment of acharacter to be displayed,

each such conductive run being electrically connected to acorrespondingly positioned cathode electrode in each of said cathodeelectrode groups, so that selective combinations of said cathodeelectrodes in each such group can be energized by a predeterminedenergization of said conductive runs to provide a multi-characterdisplay,

a first plurality of electrical contacts spaced along the edge of theportion of one of said plates which extends outside of said closedperimeter perpendicular to the line of side-by-side character positions,said contacts being disposed along a line which is generally parallel tothe line of character positions,

at least the majority of said conductive runs extending along saidsurface within the height of said cathode electrode patterns throughoutthe length of said cathode electrode groups and then continuing alongsaid surface beyond said character positions to the closed perimeter ofthe envelope, and beyond said closed perimeter in spaced relation to oneanother on the surface of said rear plate, and onto the surface of theportion of said one plate which extends beyond the closed perimeter inthe direction perpendicular the line of character positions,

said conductive runs then continuing along said surface portion to therespective electrical contacts of said first plurality, and

a plurality of anode electrodes each positioned in operative relationwith one of said cathode electrode groups and having a conductive leadextending therefrom, a second plurality of electrical contacts spacedalong the edge of one of said plates outside of said closed two spacedplates hermetically sealed together along a predetermined closedperiphery, with a series of electrical contact pads along the facinginterior surfaces of the plates outside of the sealed periphery,comprising a series of electrically conductive members disposedside-by-side and spaced to coincide with the spacing of the electricalcontact pads along the interior surfaces of the spaced plates, each ofsaid conductive members including a resilient contact portiondimensioned to fit in pressing engagement between the interior surfacesof said spaced plates and an elongated tail portion extending from thecontact portion to be inserted into an aperture of a support member forconnection to an external conductor,

each of said contact portions including a spring-like generally C-shapedarm or tongue which extends laterally in at least one direction fromsaid portion, to give the contact portion a lateral dimension in saiddirection, the lateral dimension being substantially equal to thespacing between the spaced plates,

the lateral dimension of the contact portions increasing in a directionaway from the forward end of such portions to facilitate their insertioninto the space between the spaced plates and into pressing engagementwith the contact pads, and

spacing means, independent of the display panel, at-

tached to all of said conductive members for maintaining the spacingbetween said members. 52. A device as in claim 51 wherein said spacingmeans in an elongated molded block with a series of apertures spacedalong its length, and wherein each of said conductive members passesthrough one of said apertures.

53. A device as in claim 51 wherein the elongated tail portions of theconductive members are bent so as to support the display panel at anangle.

54. A connector device for making electrical connections to electrodesin a flat display panel formed of two spaced plates hermetically sealedtogether along a predetermined closed periphery, with some electrodessupported on each of the plates and a series of electrical contacts forthe respective electrodes along the facing interior surfaces of therespective plates, outside of the sealed periphery, comprising a seriesof electrically conductive members equal in number to the total numberof electrical contacts on the interior surfaces, said members beingspaced side-by-side to coincide with the spacing of the electricalcontacts, l

each of said conductive members including a first portion dimensioned tofitin pressing engagement between the spaced plates to engage anelectrical contact on one of said plates or the other, but not both, andan elongated second portion extending from said firstportion to beinserted into an aperture of a support member for connection to anexternal conductor,

each of said first portions including a spring-like curved strip whichprojects in at least one direction from said first portion to give thefirst portion a lateral dimension in said direction, the lateraldimension being substantially equal to the spacing between the spacedplates,

the lateral dimension of thefirst portions increasing in a directionaway from the forward end of such portions to facilitate their insertioninto the space between the interior surfaces of the spaced plates andinto engagement with the contact pads, and spacing means, independent ofthe display panel, at-

- tached to all of said conductive members for maintaining the spacingbetween said members.

55. A device as in claim 54 wherein said spacing means is an elongatedmolded block with a series of apertures spaced along its length, andwherein the elongated second portion of each of said conductive memberspasses through one of said apertures and is secured to the wall of saidone aperture.

56. A device as in claim 54 wherein only one end of the curved strip ofeach first portion is joined to the remainder of the first portion.

1. A display device comprising an envelope including a pair of flat,insulating plates which are parallel to each other and spaced apart todefine a gasfilled electric discharge region between them, a pluralityof cathode electrodes seated on one of the plates and a plurality ofdifferent electrical conductors connected to them and terminating alongan edge of this first plate, at least one anode electrode seated on theother of said plates in association with selected ones of the cathodeelectrodes and having a lead terminating along an edge of this otherplate, which edge is parallel to an adjacent edge of the first plate,the terminals of the cathode connectors and of the anode lead(s) beingon opposing surfaces of the respective plates for receivably mating withexternal connecting means between the plates, and means for sealing thegas discharge region between the plates along a predetermined perimeterand leaving the cathode and anode terminals exposed for receiving theconnecting means.
 2. The display device of claim 1 wherein the edges ofthe plates on which the terminals of the cathode connectors and theterminals of the anode lead(s) are disposed are parallel to each other,and the connecting means comprise connector contacts for engaging theanode and cathode terminals between the plates.
 3. The display device ofclaim 2 wherein the cathode connector terminals and the anode leadterminals on the respective plates are offset from each other for matingwith horizontally spaced resilient contacts for the anodes and for thecathodes to be inserted between such terminals.
 4. The display device ofclaim 1 wherein the plurality of cathode electrodes comprises aplurality of groups of cathodes arranged along a predetermined line, andwherein there is one electrode associated with each such group, and theterminals for the cathode connectors and for the anode leads aredisposed along edges of the respective plates which are parallel to saidpredetermined line and are adjacent each other.
 5. The display device ofclaim 4 wherein corresponding cathodes of the groups are interconnected,and the edges of the plates along which the terminals of the cathodeconnectors and the terminals of the anode leads are disposed areadjacent to each otheR for receiving shaped, resilient contact members,both for making connection with the anode and cathode terminals and forsupporting the device.
 6. An electrical display device comprising anenvelope defined by a pair of flat, insulating plates which are paralleland spaced from each other, a plurality of first electrodes seated onone of the plates and having a plurality of associated connectorsterminating along an edge of the first plate, at least one secondelectrode seated on the other of the plates and having a leadterminating along an edge of this other plate, which edge is parallel toan adjacent edge of the first plate, the terminals of the connectors andthe lead(s) of the first and second electrodes being an opposingsurfaces of the respective plates for receivably mating with externalconnecting means between the plates, and means for sealing adisplay-supporting medium in the envelope between the plates along apredetermined perimeter and leaving the terminals of the electrodesexposed for mating with the connecting means.
 7. The electrical displaydevice of claim 6 wherein the edges of the plates on which the terminalsof the electrodes are disposed are parallel to each other, and theconnecting means comprise connector contacts for engaging the first andsecond electrodes at the respective terminals thereof between theplates.
 8. The electrical display device of claim 7 wherein theconnector terminals for the first electrodes and the second electrodeson the respective plates are horizontally offset from each other formating with horizontally spaced resilient contacts for the first andsecond electrodes to be inserted between them and the opposing plate. 9.The electrical display device of claim 6 comprising a plurality ofgroups of first electrodes disposed in a row and a plurality of secondelectrodes associated with them, and the terminals for the electrodesare disposed along edges of the respective plates which are parallel tothe rows of said electrodes.
 10. The electrical display device of claim9 wherein corresponding ones of the first electrodes are interconnectedand the edges of the plates along which the terminals for the electrodesare disposed are adjacent each other for receiving the connecting meanswhich comprise shaped, resilient contact members both for makingconnection with the electrode terminals and for supporting the device.11. A panel-type display device comprising a cover plate and a baseplate defining a display space between them, but extending beyond saiddisplay space, electrically responsive light-emitting means in saiddisplay space, a plurality of electrodes associated with saidlight-emitting means for operation thereof and including a set of firstelectrodes adjacent said base plate and a set of second electrodes, aplurality of connector contacts disposed on the facing surfaces of saidplates, adjacent a peripheral edge of each of them, outside of the areaof said display space, and a plurality of conductors each electricallyconnecting one of said connector contacts to one of said electrodes. 12.The display device of claim 11 further comprising a conductor housingsupporting each of said conductors in spaced apart relationship andaligned for insertion between the plates.
 13. The display device ofclaim 12 wherein said common edges of the plates are adjacent each otherand further comprising a rigid frame situated between the plates andhaving at least one tab extending out from between the plates forengagement with the conductor housing.
 14. A panel-type display devicecomprising a base plate and a cover plate defining a display spacebetween them, but extending beyond said display space, a glow-supportingmedium disposed in said display space, a plurality of electrodesassociated with said glow-supporting medium for excitation thereof andincluding a set of first electrodes adjacent said base plate and a setoF second electrodes, said first and second electrodes having terminalssituated along a common edge of the associated plates but offset fromeach other, the terminals of said first and second electrodes beingdisposed on opposing surfaces of the respective plates for receivablymating with external connecting means between them, and means sealingthe glow-supporting medium in the display space between the plates alonga suitable perimeter thereof which leaves the terminals of theelectrodes outside the display space and accessible to the connectingmeans.
 15. A panel-type display device as in claim 14 wherein saidcommon edges of the plates are parallel and adjacent each other and theterminals for the first and second electrodes are horizontally offsetfrom each other for receivably mating with connecting means between theplates.
 16. The device defined in claim 14 wherein said connectorsinclude flexible portions which extend out of said insulating body, saidflexible portions being insertible in a support plate at a selectedangle whereby said device is disposed at a selected angle with respectto said support plate.
 17. A display device comprising an envelopecontaining a display medium, two plates of insulating material integralwith and extending from said envelope, said plates being spaced from oneanother and having the facing surfaces thereof substantially parallel, aplurality of electrodes within said envelope, and means for selectivelyenergizing different combinations of said electrodes to producedifferent display patterns within said envelope, said energizing meansincluding a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the facingsurface of at least one of said plates, outside of said envelope, and aplurality of conductors each connected from one of said contacts intosaid envelope to a different one of the electrodes, said plates having arecess between their facing surfaces in the region of said contacts toreceive an electrical connector device to make electrical connectionwith said contacts.
 18. A combination including the display device ofclaim 17 and an electrical connector device having a plurality ofoutwardly projecting resilient contact fingers for insertion into therecess between the facing surfaces of the plates to establish electricalcontact between said fingers and the electrical contacts on said facingsurfaces.
 19. The combination of claim 18 wherein said electricalconnector device includes a plurality of mounting members which projecttherefrom to mount said display device in a substantially verticalplane.
 20. The combination of claim 19 wherein said mounting memberseach include an inclined section to mount said display device at anangle inclined from a vertical plane.
 21. A display device as in claim17 wherein the energizing means includes a plurality of the electricalcontacts on the facing surfaces of each of said plates, and wherein saidconductors are also located on said plates, one extending from eachcontact, through the envelope wall, to one of said electrodes.
 22. Adisplay device as in claim 21 wherein the contacts are located along theouter edges of the plates to provide readily accessible terminals. 23.An electrical display device as in claim 22 wherein the electricalcontacts on each of said plates are offset laterally from the contactson the other plate.
 24. A display device as in claim 17 wherein saidplates are closely spaced in the region of the contacts to retain anelectrical connector device in place.
 25. A display device as in claim17 wherein said display medium constitutes an ionizable gaseousatmosphere at a pressure capable of sustaining a glow discharge, whereinsaid electrodes are selectively energizable to establish a glowdischarge between selective combinations of said electrodes, to providedifferent glow discharge patterns within said envelope, and wherein saidenergizing means includes a plurality of eLectrical contacts on thefacing surfaces of each of said plates.
 26. A display device as in claim25 wherein said electrodes comprise a plurality of cathode and anodeelectrodes, wherein each of the contacts on the facing surface of one ofsaid plates is connected by one of said conductors to one of saidcathode electrodes, and wherein each of the contacts on the facingsurface of the other one of said plates is connected by one of saidconductors to one of said anode electrodes.
 27. A display devicecomprising two plates of insulating material extending substantiallyparallel to one another with the facing surfaces thereof spaced from oneanother, a display medium located between the facing surfaces of saidplates over a portion of their area, a plurality of electrodes inoperating relationship to said display medium, and means for selectivelyenergizing different combinations of said electrodes to providedifferent display patterns in said medium; said energizing meanscomprising a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on the facingsurface of at least one of said plates, outside of the area containingthe display medium, and a plurality of conductors each connected fromone of said contacts to a different one of said electrodes, said platesforming a recess between them in the area of said contacts to receive anelectrical connector device to make electrical connection with saidcontacts.
 28. A display device as in claim 27 wherein the energizingmeans includes at least one of the electrical contacts on the facingsurface of one of said plates and the remainder of the electricalcontacts on the facing surface of other of said plates, with a conductorextending from each of said contacts to a different one of saidelectrodes.
 29. A display device as in claim 28 wherein said electricalcontacts are located adjacent one of the peripheral edges of saidplates.
 30. A display device as in claim 27 wherein at least certain ofsaid electrodes are disposed on a first one of said plates, and at leasta like number of said conductors and electrical contacts are located onthe same plate, and wherein each such electrode is connected by one ofsaid conductors on the same plate to one of said electrical contacts onthe same plate.
 31. A display device as in claim 30 wherein said certainelectrodes constitute cathode electrodes and the remaining electrodesconstitute anode electrodes, and wherein each such remaining electrodeis connected by one of said conductors to an electrical contact locatedon the facing surface of the second one of said plates.
 32. A displaydevice comprising a display medium, a peripheral member surrounding saiddisplay medium, a pair of spaced parallel plates, one above and onebelow the display medium, said plates being joined to said peripheralmember to form an enclosure about said display medium, with one edge ofeach of said plates extending beyond said peripheral member to providean inner surface for supporting electrical contacts, a plurality ofelectrodes within said enclosure, and means for selectively energizingdifferent combinations of said electrodes to provide different displaypatterns within said medium, said energizing means comprising aplurality of electrical contacts disposed on the inner surface of atleast one of said parallel plates, outside of said enclosure, and aplurality of conductors each connected from one of said electricalcontacts through said peripheral member to a different one of saidelectrodes, said plates forming a recess between them in the area ofsaid electrical contacts to receive an electrical connector device tomake electrical connection with said contacts.
 33. A display device asin claim 32 wherein said electrical contacts are all substantiallyaligned adjacent one edge of at least one of said plates.
 34. A displaydevice as in claim 32 wherein said enclosure is rectangular in shape,having a sHort side at each end of the display medium and two long sidesalong the legnth of the display medium, and wherein said plates extendbeyond the peripheral member only along one of the long sides of therectangle, and wherein said electrical contacts are all aligned adjacentsaid one long side of the rectangle.
 35. A display device as in claim 34wherein at least certain of said electrodes are disposed on a first oneof said plates, and at least a like number of said conductors andelectrical contacts are located on the same plate, and wherein each suchelectrode is connected by one of said conductors on the same plate toone of said electrical contacts on the same plate.
 36. A display deviceas in claim 35 wherein said certain electrodes constitute cathodeelectrodes and the remaining electrodes constitute anode electrodes, andwherein each such remaining electrode is connected by one of saidconductors to an electrical contact located on the facing surface of thesecond one of said plates.
 37. A gas discharge display device comprisingan envelope containing an ionizable gas at a pressure capable ofsustaining a glow discharge, two insulating plates extending from saidenvelope, said plates being spaced from one another and having facingsurfaces which are substantially parallel, a plurality of firstelectrodes spaced apart from one another along a surface within saidenvelope, a plurality of second electrodes spaced apart from one anotherand from said first electrodes within said envelope, means forselectively energizing different combinations of said first and secondelectrodes to produce different glow discharge patterns within theionizable gas between said first and second electrodes, said energizingmeans including a plurality of electrical contacts disposed on thefacing surface of at least one of said parallel plates, outside of saidenvelope, and a plurality of conductors each connected from one of saidcontacts, through said envelope, to a different one of the electrodes,said plates having a recess between their facing surfaces in the regionof said contacts to receive an electrical connector device to makeelectrical connection with said contacts.
 38. A combination includingthe display device of claim 37 and an electrical connector device havinga plurality of outwardly projecting resilient contact fingers forinsertion into the recess between the facing surfaces of the plates toestablish electrical contact between said fingers and the electricalcontacts on said facing surfaces.
 39. A display device as in claim 37wherein said first and second electrodes are cathode and anodeelectrodes, respectively, and wherein said cathode electrodes arelocated along a facing surface of one of said plates, and at least alike number of said conductors and electrical contacts are located onthe same surface, and wherein each such cathode electrode is connectedby one of said conductors on the same surface to one of said electricalcontacts on that surface.
 40. A display device as in claim 37 whereinthe energizing means includes a plurality of the electrical contacts onthe facing surfaces of each of said plates, and wherein said conductorsare also located on said plates, with one extending from each contactthrough the envelope wall, to one of said electrodes.
 41. A gasdischarge display panel having a plurality of side-by-side characterpositions along a predetermined line, in each of which any one of apredetermined number of characters can be displaed, comprising anenvelope formed of front and rear plates sealed together along a closedperimeter surrounding the line of character positions to establish a gastight enclosure about said character positions; both of said platesextending beyond the closed perimeter in at least one direction, andhaving their facing surfaces spaced apart outside of said envelope toprovide a recess for receiving a connector device for supplyingelectrical energy to said envelope, an ionizable gas within saidenvelope at a pressure capable of sustaining a glow discharge, aplurality of groups of cathode electrodes arranged side-by-side along asurface within said envelope to form the side-by-side characterpositions, each cathode electrode being in the shape of a segment of acharacter to be displayed, a plurality of anode electrodes spaced fromeach other and from said cathode electrodes, each such anode electrodebeing located adjacent and operatively associated with one of saidcathode electrode groups, means for selectively energizing said anodeand cathode electrodes to form a side-by-side character display oversaid character positions, said energizing means including a plurality ofelectrical contacts disposed on the facing surface of at least one ofsaid plates, outside of said envelope, and a plurality of conductorseach connected from one of said contacts through said envelope to adifferent one of said electrodes.
 42. A display panel as in claim 41wherein the energizing means includes a plurality of the electricalcontacts on the facing surfaces of each of said plates, and wherein saidconductors are also located on said plates, one extending from eachcontact through the envelope wall to one of said electrodes.
 43. Adisplay panel as in claim 41 wherein said plates extend beyond theclosed perimeter in a direction perpendicular to the line of characterpositions to provide said facing surfaces outside the envelope along aregion parallel to the line of characters, and wherein said electricalcontacts are aligned along at least one of said facing surfacessubstantially parallel to the line of characters.
 44. A display panel asin claim 43 wherein the energizing means includes a plurality of theelectrical contacts on the facing surfaces of each of said plates, andwherein said conductors are also located on said plates, one extendingfrom each contact through the envelope wall to one of said electrodes.45. A display panel as in claim 41, further including a plurality ofelongated conductive runs extending along the inside surface of the rearplate within the envelope in the direction of the line of characterpositions, a layer of insulating material over said conductive runs witha group of apertures therethrough for each character position, therespective apertures in each such group being aligned with therespective conductive runs, wherein each cathode electrode has a portionthereof aligned with one of said apertures, and is connected throughsaid aperture to the aligned conductive run, and wherein each of saidconductive runs in connected by one of said conductors to one of theelectrical contacts.
 46. A gas discharge display panel having aplurality of side-by-side character positions along a predeterminedline, in each of which any one of a number of characters can bedisplayed, comprising an envelope formed of front and rear plates sealedtogether along a closed perimeter surrounding the line of characterpositions to establish a gas tight enclosure about said characterpositions; at least said rear plate extending beyond the closedperimeter in a direction perpendicular to the direction of saidpredetermined line, an ionizable gas within said envelope at a pressurecapable of sustaining glow discharge, a plurality of groups of cathodeelectrodes arranged side-by-side along said predetermined line, saidcathode electrode groups being supported along the surface of the rearplate which faces the front plate to form the side-by-side characterpositions, each cathode electrode being in the shape of a segment of acharacter to be displayed, means for selectively energizing differentcombinations of said cathode electrodes in each of said cathodeelectrode groups to provide a multi-character display, the width of eachsuch character, as displayed, being in the direction of saidprEdetermined line, and the height thereof being perpendicular to suchline, said energizing means comprising a plurality of anode electrodes,one located adjacent and operatively associated with each of saidcathode electrode groups, and a plurality of conductive runs extendingin insulatingly spaced relation to one another along the surface of therear plate, each such conductive run being electrically connected to oneof the cathode electrodes in each of said cathode electrode groups, anda plurality of electrical contacts spaced along the edge of the portionof the rear plate which extends outside of said closed perimeterperpendicular to the direction of said predetermined line, said contactsbeing disposed along a line which is generally parallel to saidpredetermined line, said conductive runs extending along the surface ofthe rear plate in the direction of said predetermined line throughoutthe full length of said character positions, and then continuing alongsaid surface beyond said character positions to the closed perimeter ofthe envelope, and beyond said closed perimeter in spaced relation to oneanother on the surface of said rear plate, and onto the surface of theportion of said rear plate which extends beyond the closed perimeter inthe direction perpendicular to said predetermined line, said conductiveruns then continuing along said surface portion to the respectiveelectrical contacts.
 47. A display panel as in claim 46, wherein saidclosed perimeter has portions above and below and on the sides of saidcharacter positions, and wherein the electrical contacts are positionedalong a line below said character positions, and said conductive runspass thru the portion of the perimeter below the character positions andextend to said electrical contacts.
 48. A display panel as in claim 47,wherein said conductive runs extend from the character positions atleast at one side thereof, and then bend abruptly to pass through theportion of the closed perimeter below the character positions.
 49. A gasdischarge display panel having a plurality of side-by-side characterpositions along a predetermined line, in each of which any one of anumber of characters can be displayed, comprising an envelope formed offront and rear plates sealed together along a closed perimetersurrounding the line of character positions to establish a gas tightenclosure about said character positions; at least said rear plateextending beyond the closed perimeter in a direction perpendicular tothe line of side-by-side character positions, an ionizable gas withinsaid envelope at a pressure capable of sustaining glow discharge, anassembly supported on the surface of the rear plate which faces thefront plate including a plurality of conductive runs extending alongsaid surface in the direction of the line of side-by-side characterpositions, a plurality of groups of cathode electrodes positionedside-by-side along said direction, each such group forming one of saidcharacter positions and each cathode electrode being in contact with atleast one of said conductive runs, and an insulating layer covering saidconductive runs and said surface in the area of the character positions,said insulating layer having a plurality of apertures therethrough, eachaligned with one of said cathode electrodes, the cathode electrodes ineach of said cathode electrode groups being disposed in substantiallythe same pattern, such pattern having a predetermined height to displaycharacters of that height, and each cathode electrode being shaped inthe form of a segment of a character to be displayed, each suchconductive run being electrically connected to a correspondinglypositioned cathode electrode in each of said cathode electrode groups,so that selective combinations of said cathode electrodes in each suchgroup can be energized by a predetermined energization of saidconductive runs to provide a multi-character display, a pluraLity ofelectrical contacts spaced along the edge of the portion of the rearplate which extends outside of said closed perimeter perpendicular tothe line of the side-by-side character positions, said contacts beingdisposed along a line which is generally parallel to the line ofcharacter positions, at least the majority of said conductive runsextending along said surface within the height of said cathode electrodegroups and then continuing along said surface beyond said characterpositions to the closed perimeter of the envelope, and beyond saidclosed perimeter in spaced relation to one another on the surface ofsaid rear plate, and onto the surface of the portion of said rear platewhich extends beyond the closed perimeter in the direction perpendicularthe line of character positions, said conductive runs then continuingalong said surface portion to the respective electrical contacts.
 50. Agas discharge display panel having a plurality of side-by-side characterpositions along a predetermined line, in each of which any one of anumber of characters can be displayed, comprising an envelope formed atfront and rear plates sealed together along a closed perimetersurrounding the line of character positions to establish a gas tightenclosure about said character positions; at least one of said front andrear plates extending beyond the closed perimeter in a directionperpendicular to the line of side-by-side character positions, anionizable gas within said envelope at a pressure capable of sustainingglow discharge, an assembly supported on the surface of the rear platewhich faces the front plate including a plurality of conductive runsextending along said surface in the direction of the line ofside-by-side character positions, a plurality of groups of cathodeelectrodes positioned side-by-side along said direction, each such groupforming one of said character positions and each cathode electrode beingin contact with at least one of said conductive runs, and an insulatinglayer covering said conductive runs and said surface in the area of thecharacter positions, said insulating layer having a plurality ofapertures therethrough, each aligned with one of said cathodeelectrodes, the cathode electrodes in each of said cathode electrodegroups being disposed in substantially the same pattern, such patternhaving a predetermined height to display characters of that height, andeach cathode electrode being shaped in the form of a segment of acharacter to be displayed, each such conductive run being electricallyconnected to a correspondingly positioned cathode electrode in each ofsaid cathode electrode groups, so that selective combinations of saidcathode electrodes in each such group can be energized by apredetermined energization of said conductive runs to provide amulti-character display, a first plurality of electrical contacts spacedalong the edge of the portion of one of said plates which extendsoutside of said closed perimeter perpendicular to the line ofside-by-side character positions, said contacts being disposed along aline which is generally parallel to the line of character positions, atleast the majority of said conductive runs extending along said surfacewithin the height of said cathode electrode patterns throughout thelength of said cathode electrode groups and then continuing along saidsurface beyond said character positions to the closed perimeter of theenvelope, and beyond said closed perimeter in spaced relation to oneanother on the surface of said rear plate, and onto the surface of theportion of said one plate which extends beyond the closed perimeter inthe direction perpendicular the line of character positions, saidconductive runs then continuing along said surface portion to therespective electrical contacts of said first plurality, and a pluralityof anode electrodes each positioned in operative relation with one ofsaid cathode electrode groups and having a conDuctive lead extendingtherefrom, a second plurality of electrical contacts spaced along theedge of one of said plates outside of said closed perimeter, in linewith said first plurality of electrical contacts, each of said anodeleads extending to a conductor which passes along one of said platesoutside of said closed perimeter to one of the electrical contacts ofsaid second plurality.
 51. A connector device for supporting and makingelectrical connection to a flat display panel formed of two spacedplates hermetically sealed together along a predetermined closedperiphery, with a series of electrical contact pads along the facinginterior surfaces of the plates outside of the sealed periphery,comprising a series of electrically conductive members disposedside-by-side and spaced to coincide with the spacing of the electricalcontact pads along the interior surfaces of the spaced plates, each ofsaid conductive members including a resilient contact portiondimensioned to fit in pressing engagement between the interior surfacesof said spaced plates and an elongated tail portion extending from thecontact portion to be inserted into an aperture of a support member forconnection to an external conductor, each of said contact portionsincluding a spring-like generally C-shaped arm or tongue which extendslaterally in at least one direction from said portion, to give thecontact portion a lateral dimension in said direction, the lateraldimension being substantially equal to the spacing between the spacedplates, the lateral dimension of the contact portions increasing in adirection away from the forward end of such portions to facilitate theirinsertion into the space between the spaced plates and into pressingengagement with the contact pads, and spacing means, independent of thedisplay panel, attached to all of said conductive members formaintaining the spacing between said members.
 52. A device as in claim51 wherein said spacing means in an elongated molded block with a seriesof apertures spaced along its length, and wherein each of saidconductive members passes through one of said apertures.
 53. A device asin claim 51 wherein the elongated tail portions of the conductivemembers are bent so as to support the display panel at an angle.
 54. Aconnector device for making electrical connections to electrodes in aflat display panel formed of two spaced plates hermetically sealedtogether along a predetermined closed periphery, with some electrodessupported on each of the plates and a series of electrical contacts forthe respective electrodes along the facing interior surfaces of therespective plates, outside of the sealed periphery, comprising a seriesof electrically conductive members equal in number to the total numberof electrical contacts on the interior surfaces, said members beingspaced side-by-side to coincide with the spacing of the electricalcontacts, each of said conductive members including a first portiondimensioned to fit in pressing engagement between the spaced plates toengage an electrical contact on one of said plates or the other, but notboth, and an elongated second portion extending from said first portionto be inserted into an aperture of a support member for connection to anexternal conductor, each of said first portions including a spring-likecurved strip which projects in at least one direction from said firstportion to give the first portion a lateral dimension in said direction,the lateral dimension being substantially equal to the spacing betweenthe spaced plates, the lateral dimension of the first portionsincreasing in a direction away from the forward end of such portions tofacilitate their insertion into the space between the interior surfacesof the spaced plates and into engagement with the contact pads, andspacing means, independent of the display panel, attached to all of saidconductive members for maintaining the spacing between sAid members. 55.A device as in claim 54 wherein said spacing means is an elongatedmolded block with a series of apertures spaced along its length, andwherein the elongated second portion of each of said conductive memberspasses through one of said apertures and is secured to the wall of saidone aperture.
 56. A device as in claim 54 wherein only one end of thecurved strip of each first portion is joined to the remainder of thefirst portion.